Earthquakes and Being Prepared

Earthquakes and Being Prepared

Why you need to prepare for the next earthquake

Alaska has more earthquakes than any other region of the U.S.

And in fact is one of the most seismically active area of the world.

Great earthquakes (Earthquakes larger than magnitude 8) rock the state on average every 13 years since the 1900.

Only a matter of time before another major earthquake will impact a large number of Alaskans.

As individuals, we must take steps to prepare for earthquakes to…

Protect ourselves

Our loved ones

Our property

Identify the greatest hazards to your personal safety

Set priorities for using resources in the most effective way to reduce possible damage

Becoming aware of the hazards and taking appropriate actions, can drastically reduce the loss of life and property… the choice is yours

What to do during and earthquake…

If you are indoors

Drop to the floor and take cover under a STURDY desk or table.

Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it.

Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move

Stay clear of

Windows

Heavy wall hangings

F

ireplaces, woodstoves

H

eavy furniture or appliances that may fall over

If you can not DROP, COVER, and HOLD

T

hen crouching against a sturdy wall with nothing above you and no windows nearby is an alternative.

If you are in a crowded area take cover where you are.

S

tay calm, and encourage others to do the same.

If you are outside

Get into the open

Away from

Moving cars

Buildings

Power lines

Pipelines (gas lines)

Trees

If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock, snow, and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake

If you are driving

Stop if

it is

safe but stay inside your vehicle

Stay away from

Bridges

Overpasses

Tunnels

Move your

car

as far out of the normal traffic pattern

Avoid stopping under

T

rees

L

ight

posts

P

ower

lines

S

igns

FYI

In the past it was recommended that you stand in a doorway during an earthquake. This is not the best place to go because only one person can fit in a doorway, and you won’t be protected from falling and flying objects

A woman was trapped in a doorway during the Denali fault earthquake in 2002 when the door slammed shut on her hand. This not only injured her but also stopped her from taking cover from falling objects.

After the quake

Check for injuries:

Do

not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.

Check for gas leaks:

Shut

off the main gas valve only if leak is suspected or identified. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on after the damage is repaired.

After the quake

Check Oil or

Propane

T

anks

:

C

heck

that the supports are intact and that connecting pipes and hoses are not broken

Check for Downed or Damaged

Chimneys:

Approach

chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.

After the quake

Damaged

Electrical

W

iring

:

Shut

off power at the distribution panel or breaker box.

Check

Downed

or

Damaged

U

tility

L

ines

:

Stay

away from downed lines even if power appears to be off.

Check for

Fallen

O

bjects

in

Closets

and

Cupboards

:

Displaced

objects may fall when you open door.

After the quake

Check your

Telephone:

Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones that are off the hook tie up the telephone network.

Clean up

Potentially

H

azardous

M

aterial

and or

Medicines

which may have spilled.

Little Villagers on the Coast line

Tsunami

Hazard:

I

f

you live along the coast be alert for news of tsunami warnings issued by the TWC (Tsunami Warning Center)

If you experience a strong earthquake there may not be time for a warning to be issued move to higher ground as soon as you can and stay there until the all clear

Preparing For an Earthquake

Practice “Drop Cover Hold”

Injuries and deaths during earthquakes are caused by falling objects and collapsing structures.

Develop and earthquake plan at home, school, work.

Determine the safest places in your home and at work

These should be away from

Heavy furniture or appliances

Woodstoves, fireplaces

Open shelves and book cases

and large panes of glass , pictures, or mirrors

Danger

The most common cause of earthquake related fires is broken gas lines.

Everyone should know how to turn off the gas supply at the meter in case they smell gas after a large earthquake.

Make sure you have a wrench that fits your gas turnoff valve and fasten it next to the valve.

Creating Gathering Zones

Pick two places to meet in case of emergency

Right outside your home

Outside your neighborhood in case you are not able to return home

Everybody must know the address and telephone number

Ask an out of state friend to be your family contact

After a disaster, its often easier to place a long distance telephone call than a local one.

Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are.

Everyone must know your contacts phone number.

Emergency Supply List

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least 7 days.

Store these items in sturdy , easy to carry containers such as

B

ackpacks, Duffel

B

ags, or Covered

T

rash

C

ontainers.

Emergency Supply List

These are the basics to have on hand for any emergency

Flashlights with Spare Batteries:

Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain there are no gas leaks.

First Aid Kit & First Aid knowledge:

Have a first aid book such as Standard First Aide & Personal Safety by American Red Cross.

Have members of your house hold take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses.

Make sure you have a stocked and sanitary first aid kit.

Fire extinguisher:

Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires.

ABC extinguishers are designed to be used safely on any type of fire.

Emergency Supply List

Food:

K

eep a supply of non perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and replenished on a regular basis.

Have supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, & canned juices.

Water:

Water should be stored in airtight containers and replaced every six months. Store at least 3 gallons per person.

Warm Clothes and Blankets:

Have enough warm clothes and blankets and sleeping bags to survive sub zero winter temperatures.

If possible store these items outside the house in a easy access and stored in water proof bags.

Special Items:

Keep at least one weeks supply of medications and special foods on hand.

Plus any pet medication or dry/canned food for each pet.

Tsin’aen

Resources

Palmer

Tsnunami

Warning Center

http

://

www.aeic.alaska.edu/html_docs/pdf_files/eqprepare.pdf

OSHA -https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/earthquakes.html